An NHS Trust has apologised for a "very offensive" internal newsletter sent to staff that said "dying well can be fun".

A member of staff at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals sent the news update to the Sutton Guardian, highlighting the phrase they took offence to.

The newsletter, circulated by general manager of clinical services Suzette Fernandes, read: “Living well and dying well can be fun as well as serious”.

The poorly phrased sentence was part of a briefing for staff about Dying Matters’ awareness week - which aims to promote the concept of living well and planning for a dignified death.

Your Local Guardian:

A spokeswoman for the hospital, which is run by Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, has since apologised for the way the May 20 letter was phrased.

She said: “We would like to apologise for any offence our promotion of national Dying Matters Awareness Week may have caused.

“The aim is to encourage people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life.

“Each one of us is different, and it is important to recognise that some people acknowledging they are dying, as well as recognising the sadness and seriousness of what is happening, want to include laughter and happy times and to make good memories for family or friends."

Did you get the letter? Email the newsdesk anonymously at sean.morrison@london.newsquest.co.uk